Central UP Events

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  Cindy Hunter Morgan Writing Workshop  Friday, April 25, 2025.  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors.  In this workshop, Cindy Hunter Morgan, author of the Michigan Notable Book Harborless, guides participants through writing prompts to generate new work.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info to register.

Northern Michigan University’s Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette’s first “Water is Life Festival” on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free. The festival includes a full day of activities outlined below. It will culminate with evening water-themed performances from 6-9 p.m. in NMU’s Hedgcock Atrium by the Sister Tour, Marquette Fringe, and Supaman. 10 a.m. to noon: From Dome to Dead River guided cultural trail walk with the City of Marquette’s Arts and Culture Office (meet at

Northern Michigan University’s Theatre and Dance program will host its Alumni Awards from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Forest Roberts Theatre. The event will honor exceptional achievements in theatre, dance and entertainment arts. The weekend’s festivities will begin Friday, April 25, with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby, followed by the Theatre and Dance Senior Showcase performance at 7:30 p.m. and a post-show reception at 8:30 p.m., also in the lobby. “This event promises to be a remarkable gathering of NMU Theatre and Dance alumni, NMU community members, theatre patrons and donors, all coming

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will highlight and celebrate the talents of the department’s graduating students with its inaugural Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York and major regional theaters on Tuesday, May 20. “Showcases are shorter than full shows, owing to the busy schedules of the agents, casting directors and artistic directors who attend, so this will feature short scenes and songs in a variety-show format, just over an hour in length,” said Director Jimmy Ludwig. “It’s fairly standard for BFA programs to

  Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will highlight and celebrate the talents of the department’s graduating students with its inaugural Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York and major regional theaters on Tuesday, May 20. “Showcases are shorter than full shows, owing to the busy schedules of the agents, casting directors and artistic directors who attend, so this will feature short scenes and songs in a variety-show format, just over an hour in length,” said Director Jimmy Ludwig. “It’s fairly standard for BFA programs

The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market is excited to announce a one-day Membership Sale & Preview Market happening Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marquette Commons. This special event invites the community to kick off the market season early with a taste of what’s to come—and a chance to support local food, art, and small businesses. Be the First to Shop the 2025 Season The Preview Market will feature a small selection of returning and new vendors offering early-season goods—from fresh-baked treats and small-batch goods to handcrafted items. It’s a sneak peek at the flavors and creativity the

17-Mile Walk from Knotty Pine to Up North Lodge to Benefit UP Pink Power On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, join us for a 17-mile walk from the Knotty Pine to the Up North Lodge to support UP Pink Power, a dedicated organization focused on helping residents of the Upper Michigan with catastrophic events in their life. Participants will embark on a 17-mile walk that will include over 25 pit stops and a lunch at the half way point, united in the cause of raising awareness and funds for UP Pink Power. All proceeds from the walk will go directly to

Great Lakes Poetry Festival:  2024 International 3-Day Chapbook Contest Reading  & Award Ceremony  Saturday, April 26, 2025.  1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Enjoy readings by the three winners of the 2024 3-Day International Chapbook Competition that was judged by award-winning poet Diane Glancy. No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

UP Rainbow Pride (UPRP) is excited about hosting two events in April aimed at building community and offering a safe, affirming, and social space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Marquette County and beyond. The aim of these events is to create an all-ages space where LGBTQIA community members and allies can celebrate fellowship and fabulousness. UPRP will also be hosting a Community Potluck on Saturday, April 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lost Creek Kitchen in Marquette. LGBTQIA and Allied community members of all ages are welcome to join in on an evening of food, activities, and

Great Lakes Poetry Festival Afterglow Event  Sunday, April 27, 2025, 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  Rippling River Resort.  Adults, Seniors, Teens.  PWPL closes the 2025 Great Lakes Poetry Festival with this afterglow reading by Gala Malherbe, Ronnie Ferguson, Troy Graham, and two-time U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz.  Marquette Art Awards 2022 Performing Artist of the Year Troy Graham will round-out the evening with a special concert.  No admission charge.  For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.